Configurable wall-mounted storage shelf system

ABSTRACT

A wall mounted shelf system is disclosed. The system includes a wall bracket, a plurality of orifices in the wall bracket, each orifice for accepting a fastener, and a shelf removably coupled to the wall bracket. The shelf comprises: a) a planar surface sloped downwards towards the distal end, b) a first planar strip that extends downwards for attachment to the wall bracket; c) a protruding portion of the planar surface that protrudes upwards, d) a second planar strip located below the planar surface, wherein the second planar strip is oriented vertically for placement coplanar with the wall, and e) wherein the planar surface, the first and second planar strips and the protruding portion are integrally formed from a single piece of a material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to field of organizers for storage, and moreparticularly relates to the field of configurable storage shelves forclosets and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Storage organizers, shelving units, and other storage systems are knownin the art. Some are adjustable and can be arranged and configured invarious ways prior to or during installation, within a storage spacesuch as a closet. Shelf storage units can be installed in variety oflocations, including closets, bedrooms, pantries, garages and livingrooms. Further, shelf storage units can be used to store a variety ofgoods, including food, clothing, dry materials and tools.

One of the problems associated with conventional shelf storage units isthe cost of manufacturing. A conventional shelf storage unit usuallyconsists of one or more shelf elements, sidewall elements and top andbottom elements. Additionally, fasteners must be provided to attach theshelving unit to a wall or other permanent fixture. The high number ofparts necessary to build a conventional shelving unit increases the costof materials, increases manufacturing costs, increases the complexity ofthe system and decreases the user-friendliness of the product as aconsumer good.

Another problem associated with conventional shelf storage units is themethod in which the shelf storage unit attached to the wall or otherpermanent fixture. A conventional shelf storage unit is typicallyattached to a wall using fasteners such as screws that are drilled intoa wall. Since drywall is the most common type of wall material in theUnited States, screws must be accompanied by sleeves or anchors that arefirst inserted into the wall and provide a base or foundation for thescrews. Thus, installation usually consists of a consumer (or anotherperson helping the consumer) holding the shelf storage unit against thewall in the desired location, while multiple screws are drilled into thewall to secure the shelf storage unit to the wall. This can be tediousand time consuming for the consumer.

Lastly, conventional shelf storage units offer very little variety inthe type of shelf provided. Conventional shelf storage units typicallyonly provide flat horizontal surfaces in a rectangular shape for storinggoods. While this standard arrangement may suffice for most goods, thisarrangement is not optional for other goods, such as irregularly shapedgoods that a consumer desires to store for later use.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that there exists a definite need fora shelf storage unit that can be manufactured in a more efficient mannerand in such a way as to allow for simpler installation by a consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, awall mounted shelf system is disclosed. The system includes a wallbracket comprising a first elongated strip for placement coplanar with awall and a second elongated strip connected to the first elongatedstrip, wherein the second elongated strip is parallel to the wall; aplurality of orifices in the wall bracket, each orifice for accepting afastener for fastening the wall bracket to the wall; and a shelfremovably coupled to the wall bracket, wherein the shelf comprises: a) aplanar surface having a proximal end adjacent to the wall and a distalend, wherein the planar surface is sloped downwards towards the distalend, and wherein the planar surface accepts placement of items on itstop surface for storage; b) a first planar strip located proximally tothe planar surface, wherein the first planar strip extends downwards forplacement behind the second elongated strip of the wall bracket; c) aprotruding portion of the planar surface that protrudes upwards, whereinthe protruding portion is located distally to, and co-extensive with,the planar surface, so as to provide a barrier to items placed on thetop surface of the planar surface; d) a second planar strip locatedbelow, proximally to the planar surface, wherein the second planar stripis oriented vertically for placement coplanar with the wall, so as toprovide support for the shelf; and e) wherein the planar surface, thefirst and second planar strips and the protruding portion are integrallyformed from a single piece of a material.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill be apparent from the following more particular description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other features and also theadvantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.Additionally, the left-most digit of a reference number identifies thedrawing in which the reference number first appears.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of a shelf storagesystem, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of side views of shelves for use with theshelf storage system of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of cross-sectional side views of shelves foruse with the shelf storage system of FIG. 1, shown in juxtaposition to awall, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of perspective views of shelves and side wallsfor use with the shelf storage system of FIG. 1, shown in juxtapositionto a wall, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of a side wallfor use with the shelf storage system of FIG. 1, shown in juxtapositionto a wall, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of a wall bracket foruse with the shelf storage system of FIG. 1, in accordance with oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, overcomesproblems with the prior art by providing a simple and user-friendlyshelf storage system that provides for easy installation, optimal shoestorage, and a low manufacturing cost. The present invention furthersolves problems with the prior art by providing a manufacturingmethod—i.e., sheet metal bending—that decreases the costs, materials andtime associated with manufacturing a shelf storage system. Further, thepresent invention solves problems with the prior art by providing aunique shelf shape and arrangement that optimizes the storage ofirregularly or oddly shaped items, such as shoes. This allows for ahigher level of product use and consumer satisfaction.

It should be understood that these embodiments are only examples of themany advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general,statements made in the specification of the present application do notnecessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, somestatements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. Ingeneral, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in theplural and vice versa with no loss of generality. In the drawing likenumerals refer to like parts through several views.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of a shelf storagesystem 100, in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 1 shows that theshelf storage system 100 includes a first horizontally arranged shelf102 used to store a pair of shoes 110 on its top surface. FIG. 1 alsoshows that the shelf storage system 100 includes a second horizontallyarranged shelf 104 used to store a pair of shoes 112 on its top surface.Both shelves 102, 104 may be coupled to a wall at their rear.

The shelves 102, 104 are shaped so as to be optimal to store the shoes110, 112, since the shelves 102, 104 provide a top surface that allowsfor the easy placement of the shoes on the shelves but also provide atop surface that is angled towards the consumer (i.e., sloped downwardsfrom back to front) so that the consumer may more easily view and graspthe shoes when choosing a pair of shoes to wear. Furthermore, theshelves 102, 104 provide a top surface that, although sloped towards theconsumer, prevents the shoes 110, 112 from sliding off the shelves, dueto the presence of a protruding surface on the mid-portion of each shelf(so as to catch the heel of each shoe) and due to the presence of aprotruding barrier on the distal part of each shelf (so as to catch thefront of each shoe), as explained more fully below.

FIG. 1 further shows that the shelves 102, 104 include sidewalls 105located on the ends of the shelves 102, 104, wherein the sidewalls arepositioned perpendicularly to the shelves 102, 104 so as to abut theshelves 102, 104, and wherein the sidewall 105 may also be coupled tothe wall.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of cross-sectional side views of shelves 202,232, 252 for use with the shelf storage system 100 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with one embodiment. A woman's heel 220 is shown resting on atop surface of the first shelf 202. FIG. 2 shows the first shelf 202comprises a planar bottom element 204, which may be a rectangular planarstrip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf202. The element 204 may be arranged horizontally such that the proximalend is perpendicular to, and rests against, the wall 302.

FIG. 2 also shows a planar element 214, which may also be a rectangularplanar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis ofthe shelf 202. The element 214 may be arranged substantiallyhorizontally or may exhibit a slope downwards from the proximal end ofthe shelf 202 to the distal end. FIG. 2 further shows a planar element210, which may also be a rectangular planar strip or band that extendsalong the main longitudinal axis of the shelf 202. The element 210 maybe arranged substantially horizontally or may exhibit a slope downwardsfrom the proximal end of the shelf 202 to the distal end.

FIG. 2 further shows that the planar elements 210, 214 may beinterrupted by protrusions 212 and 218. The protrusion 212 is locatedsubstantially in the mid-portion of the shelf (i.e., substantiallymidway between the proximal end and the distal end of the shelf 202), soas to catch the indentation in the shoe 220 provided by the heel of theshoe 220. Thus, the protrusion 212 prevents the shoe 220 from slidingoff the shelf 202. The protrusion 218 is located at the distal end ofthe shelf 202, and therefore it catches the front portion, or toe, ofthe shoe 220. Specifically, the rear-facing surface 216 rests againstthe toe of the shoe 220. Thus, the protrusion 218 also prevents the shoe220 from sliding off the shelf 202.

FIG. 2 also shows a hook 208 at the proximal end of the shelf 202,wherein the hook is used to attach the shelf 202 to a wall bracketdisclosed in more detail below. Further, FIG. 2 shows that the shelf 202includes a planar element 206, which may be a rectangular planar stripor band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf 202.The element 206 may be arranged vertically such that it rests co-planarwith the wall 302, so as to provide support for the shelf 202. Further,FIG. 2 shows that the shelf 202 includes a cavity 226 formed by theplethora of bends in a single piece of sheet metal that comprise theshelf 202.

A sandal 222 is shown resting on a top surface of the second shelf 232.FIG. 2 shows the second shelf 232 comprises a planar bottom element 234,which may be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along themain longitudinal axis of the shelf 232. FIG. 2 also shows a planarelement 242, which may also be a rectangular planar strip or band thatextends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf 232. The element242 may exhibit a slope downwards from the proximal end of the shelf 232to the distal end.

FIG. 2 further shows that the planar element 242 be connected toprotrusion 236 located at the distal end of the shelf 232, and thereforeit catches the front portion, or toe, of the sandal 222. Specifically,the rear-facing surface 238 rests against the toe of the sandal 222.Thus, the protrusion 236 prevents the sandal 222 from sliding off theshelf 232.

FIG. 2 also shows a hook 244 at the proximal end of the shelf 232,wherein the hook is used to attach the shelf 232 to a wall bracket.Further, FIG. 2 shows that the shelf 232 includes a planar element 230,which may be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along themain longitudinal axis of the shelf 232. Further, FIG. 2 shows that theshelf 232 includes a cavity 245 formed by the plethora of bends in asingle piece of sheet metal that comprise the shelf 232.

A men's dress shoe 224 is shown resting on a top surface of the thirdshelf 252. FIG. 2 shows the third shelf 252 comprises a planar bottomelement 254, which may be a rectangular planar strip or band thatextends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf 252. FIG. 2 alsoshows a planar element 260, which may also be a rectangular planar stripor band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf 252.The element 260 may be arranged substantially horizontally or mayexhibit a slope downwards from the proximal end of the shelf 252 to thedistal end. FIG. 2 further shows a planar element 264, which may also bea rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the mainlongitudinal axis of the shelf 252. The element 264 may be arrangedsubstantially horizontally or may exhibit a slope downwards from theproximal end of the shelf 252 to the distal end.

FIG. 2 further shows that the planar elements 260, 264 may beinterrupted by protrusions 262 and 261. The protrusion 262 is locatedsubstantially in the mid-portion of the shelf, so as to catch theindentation in the shoe 224 provided by the heel of the shoe 224. Thus,the protrusion 262 prevents the shoe 224 from sliding off the shelf 252.The protrusion 261 is located at the distal end of the shelf 252, andtherefore it catches the front portion, or toe, of the shoe 224.Specifically, the rear-facing surface 256 of protrusion 261 restsagainst the toe of the shoe 224. Thus, the protrusion 261 also preventsthe shoe 224 from sliding off the shelf 252.

FIG. 2 also shows a hook 266 at the proximal end of the shelf 252,wherein the hook is used to attach the shelf 252 to a wall bracket.Further, FIG. 2 shows that the shelf 252 includes a planar element 250,which may be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along themain longitudinal axis of the shelf 252. Further, FIG. 2 shows that theshelf 252 includes a cavity 258 formed by the plethora of bends in asingle piece of sheet metal that comprise the shelf 252.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of cross-sectional side views of shelves 202for use with the shelf storage system 100 of FIG. 1, shown injuxtaposition to a wall 302, in accordance with one embodiment. At thetop of FIG. 3, the shelf 202 is shown in a dissembled state, along withthe wall bracket 304, which may comprise a rectangular strip 309 forplacement coplanar with the wall 302 and a rectangular strip 312connected to the rectangular strip 309, wherein the rectangular strip312 is parallel to the wall 302. The wall bracket 304 may furthercomprise a rigid flat strip 308 that connects the rectangular strip 312with the rectangular strip 309 of the wall bracket 304. Since therectangular strip 312 is in a different plane than the rectangular strip309, a gap 310 is produced between the strip 312 and the wall 302.

Orifice 306 is located in the rectangular strip 309. The orifice 306 isconfigured to accept the fastener or screw 320 to attach the wallbracket 304 to the wall 302. Note that the rectangular strip 309 is thewidest strip, while the rectangular strip 312 has a more narrow widththan the rectangular strip 309, and the rigid flat strip 308 has thenarrowest width. The width of the rectangular strip 312 may bemanufactured to correspond to the length or width of the strip 330defining the hook 208 of the shelf 202, such that the two elements matchwhen mated (as shown at the bottom of FIG. 3). The width of therectangular strip 312 may be from about 0.5 inch to about 1.5 inches.

Shelf 202 is shown as having a planar bottom surface 204, a verticalplanar surface 206 and a hook 208. The hook 208 may comprise a planarelement 330, which may be a rectangular planar strip or band thatextends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf 202. The element330 may be arranged vertically such that it rests co-planar or parallelto the wall 302. The hook 330 also includes a gap 332, into which thestrip 312 of the wall bracket 304 is inserted. Again, the rectangularstrip 312 may be manufactured to correspond to the gap 332 of hook 208of the shelf 202, such that the two elements match when mated.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of perspective views of shelves 202, 252 andside walls 105 for use with the shelf storage system 100 of FIG. 1,shown in juxtaposition to a wall 302, in accordance with one embodiment.FIG. 4 further shows a sidewall assembly comprised of a larger U-shapedbracket 412 and a smaller U-shaped bracket 410. FIG. 4 shows either thelarger U-shaped bracket 412 or the smaller U-shaped bracket 410 may beattached to the wall 302 using a fastener 420, while the other U-shapedbracket is coupled to said bracket attached to the wall. Thisarrangement of the sidewall assembly is explained in greater detailbelow with reference to FIG. 5.

The shelves 202, 252 of FIG. 4 may be provided in standard sizes andcustom sizing may be provided to the end-consumer via the use of acircular saw, for example, or any other standard cutting machine forcutting the length of the shelves 202, 252 to accommodate the lengthdesired by the consumer. Further, the consumer may choose how far apartto space the shelves 202, 252 when constructing the final shelf storagesystem 100, as seen in FIG. 1. Finally, the end-consumer may choosewhether to place the sidewalls 105 onto the sides of the system 100, orwhether to place the sides of the shelves 202, 252 to abut a wall, so asto eliminate the need for sidewalls 105. In this manner, the system 100is configurable, since it allows a consumer to customize the system 100configure its structure to fit the use desired by the consumer.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of a side wallassembly for use with the shelf storage system 100 of FIG. 1, shown injuxtaposition to a wall 302, in accordance with one embodiment. Thecross-section of FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view. FIG. 5shows that smaller U-shaped bracket 410 may be attached to the wall 302using a fastener 420 that is inserted into an orifice 502 in the bracket410 and the wall 302. This allows for easy installation of the side wallassembly of the shelf storage system 100.

FIG. 5 also shows that larger U-shaped bracket 412 contains S-shapedends 430 on each of the terminating ends of the bracket 412. EachS-shaped end 430 includes a pocket 432 that is created via the S-shape.The width of the pocket 432 corresponds to the thickness, or slightlysmaller than the thickness, of the flat sheet material from whichsmaller U-shaped bracket 410 is manufactured. This arrangement allowsfor the creation of a friction fit between the terminating ends of thesmaller U-shaped bracket 410 and the pockets 432 of the S-shaped ends430 of larger U-shaped bracket 412. Thus, the terminating ends of thesmaller U-shaped bracket 410 may be inserted into the pockets 432 of theS-shaped ends 430 of larger U-shaped bracket 412, so as to create afriction fit between the larger U-shaped bracket 412 and the smallerU-shaped bracket 410. This allows for the easy construction of the sidewall assembly of the shelf storage system 100, since no tools arerequired to engage the friction fit.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of a wall bracket 304for use with the shelf storage system 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance withone embodiment. FIG. 6 shows that the wall bracket 304 may comprise arectangular strip 309 for placement coplanar with a wall 302 and arectangular strip 312 connected to the rectangular strip 309, whereinthe rectangular strip 312 is parallel to the wall 302. The wall bracket304 may further comprise a rigid flat strip 308 that connects therectangular strip 309 with the rectangular strip 312 of the wall bracket304.

FIG. 6 further shows that orifices 306, which may be counter sunk, maybe distributed evenly along the length of the main longitudinal axis ofthe rectangular strip 309. The orifices 306 are configured to accept thefasteners or screws 320 to attach the wall bracket 304 to the wall 302.Note that the rectangular strip 309 is the widest strip, while therectangular strip 312 has a more narrow width than the rectangular strip309, and the rigid flat strip 308 has the narrowest width. The width ofthe rectangular strip 312 may be manufactured to correspond to the gap332 of hook 330 of the shelf 202 in FIG. 3, such that there the twoelements match when mated (as shown at the bottom of FIG. 3). The widthof the rectangular strip 312 may be from about 0.5 inch to about 1.5inches.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an alternative to the use offasteners 320 to attach the bracket 304 to the wall is the use of anadhesive. In this alternative, an adhesive is disposed on the back sideof the strip 309, which provides a secure adhesive bond between thebracket 304 and the wall. In one embodiment, the adhesive provides asecure enough bond to secure the bracket 304 to the wall, even when theshelves are weighted, but still allows the bracket 304 to be removedwith a predefined amount and direction of force, so as to allow thebracket 304 to removed and placed in a different location.

The wall bracket 304 may be manufactured from a single, rectangularpiece of sheet metal. Note that the rigid flat strip 308 may be producedvia two bends along the length of the main longitudinal axis ofaforesaid single, rectangular piece of sheet metal, wherein the distancebetween the two bends define the width of the rigid flat strip 308.

It should be noted that although the present invention discloses shelves202, 232, 252 shown in a particular shape (mainly horizontally arrangedshelves with flat surfaces), the present invention supports shelves ofany shape that adhere to the spirit of the invention, includingrectangular, triangular, semi-circular, any parallelogram, irregular, orany combination of the above. Further, although the shelves 202, 232,252 are shown to store shoes 110, 112, 220, 222, 224, the presentinvention supports the storage of any irregularly shaped items that maybenefit from the advantages provided by the present invention.

Further, in a preferred embodiment, each individual shelf 202, 232, 252,as well as each individual sidewall assembly element 410, 412, may bemanufactured from a single, rectangular piece of sheet metal composed ofat least one of at least one of aluminum, brass, copper, steel, tin,nickel, titanium, silver, gold, platinum, any alloys of the materialsabove or any combination of the materials above. In one embodiment, eachindividual shelf 202, 232, 252, as well as each individual sidewallassembly element 410, 412, or a portion thereof, may be comprise a layerof paint, such as a powder coat of paint, on at least one side. Thepowder coating may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. The mostcommon polymers used for powder coating are polyester, polyurethane,polyester-epoxy (known as hybrid), straight epoxy (fusion bonded epoxy)and acrylics. In another embodiment, each individual shelf 202, 232,252, as well as each individual sidewall assembly element 410, 412, or aportion thereof, may comprise a layer that is ink-printable, i.e., asurface that allows for ink printing. In another embodiment, eachindividual shelf 202, 232, 252, as well as each individual sidewallassembly element 410, 412, or a portion thereof, may be opaque,transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent.

Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, each individual shelf 202, 232,252, as well as each individual sidewall assembly element 410, 412, maybe manufactured from a single, rectangular piece of sheet metal usingforming machine tools known in the art for bending sheet and platematerials, such as a brake press, a bending machine, or the like. Inpress brake forming, a work piece is positioned over a die block and thedie block presses the sheet metal to form a shape. The present inventionsupports the manufacturing of each individual shelf 202, 232, 252, aswell as each individual sidewall assembly element 410, 412, from asingle, rectangular piece of sheet metal using various types of bendingon a press brake, such as air bending, bottoming, coining, three pointbending, folding, wiping, rotary bending, roll bending, elastomerbending, an joggling.

In another embodiment, each individual shelf 202, 232, 252, as well aseach individual sidewall assembly element 410, 412, may be manufacturedfrom a single piece of an extruded material, such as a metal, plastic orPVC. Lastly, each individual shelf 202, 232, 252, as well as eachindividual sidewall assembly element 410, 412, may be manufactured froma single piece of a molded material, such as a plastic.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed,those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes canbe made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to berestricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments. Furthermore, it isintended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications,modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the presentinvention.

We claim:
 1. A wall-mounted shelf system, comprising: a wall bracket comprising a first elongated strip for placement coplanar with a wall and a second elongated strip connected to the first elongated strip, wherein the second elongated strip is parallel to the wall; a plurality of orifices in the wall bracket, each orifice for accepting a fastener for fastening the wall bracket to the wall; and a shelf removably coupled to the wall bracket, wherein the shelf comprises: a) a planar surface having a proximal end adjacent to the wall and a distal end, wherein the planar surface is sloped downwards towards the distal end, and wherein the planar surface accepts placement of items on its top surface for storage; b) a first planar strip located proximally to the planar surface, wherein the first planar strip extends downwards for placement behind the second elongated strip of the wall bracket; c) a protruding portion of the planar surface that protrudes upwards, wherein the protruding portion is located distally to, and co-extensive with, the planar surface, so as to provide a barrier to items placed on the top surface of the planar surface; d) a second planar strip located below, proximally to the planar surface, wherein the second planar strip is oriented vertically for placement coplanar with the wall, so as to provide support for the shelf; and e) wherein the planar surface, the first and second planar strips and the protruding portion are integrally formed from a single piece of a material.
 2. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 1, wherein the single piece of material comprises a sheet metal comprising at least one of aluminum, brass, copper, steel, tin, nickel, titanium, silver, gold, platinum, any alloys of the materials above or any combination of the materials above.
 3. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 1, wherein the single piece of material comprises an extruded material, such as metal, plastic or PVC, or a molded material, such as plastic.
 4. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 2, wherein the planar surface comprises a rigid strip positioned such that its main axis is parallel to the wall, and wherein a width of the strip is less than a length of the strip along its main axis.
 5. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 4, wherein the first planar strip comprises a rigid strip positioned such that its main axis is parallel to the wall, wherein a width of the first planar strip is less than a length of the first planar strip along its main axis.
 6. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 5, wherein the second planar strip comprises a rigid strip positioned such that its main axis is parallel to the wall, wherein a width of the second planar strip is less than a length of the second planar strip along its main axis, and wherein the second planar strip is located below the first planar strip.
 7. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 6, wherein the wall bracket further comprises a rigid flat strip that connects the second elongated strip with the first elongated strip of the wall bracket.
 8. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 7, wherein the second elongated strip has a width from about 0.25 inch to about 1.5 inches.
 9. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of orifices are spaced along a main axis of the wall bracket.
 10. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 2, further comprising at least one sidewall located on one end of the shelf, wherein the sidewall is positioned perpendicularly to the shelf so as to abut the shelf, and wherein the sidewall is coupled to the wall.
 11. A wall-mounted shelf system, comprising: a wall bracket comprising a first elongated strip for placement coplanar with a wall and a second elongated strip connected to the first elongated strip, wherein the second elongated strip is parallel to the wall; an adhesive disposed on one side of the wall bracket for affixing the wall bracket to the wall; and a shelf removably coupled to the wall bracket, wherein the shelf comprises: a) a planar surface having a proximal end adjacent to the wall and a distal end, wherein the planar surface is sloped downwards towards the distal end, and wherein the planar surface accepts placement of items on its top surface for storage; b) a first planar strip located proximally to the planar surface, wherein the first planar strip extends downwards for placement behind the second elongated strip of the wall bracket; c) a protruding portion of the planar surface that protrudes upwards, wherein the protruding portion is located distally to, and co-extensive with, the planar surface, so as to provide a barrier to items placed on the top surface of the planar surface; d) a second planar strip located below, proximally to the planar surface, wherein the second planar strip is oriented vertically for placement coplanar with the wall, so as to provide support for the shelf; and e) wherein the planar surface, the first and second planar strips and the protruding portion are integrally formed from a single piece of a material.
 12. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 11, wherein the single piece of material comprises a sheet metal comprising at least one of aluminum, brass, copper, steel, tin, nickel, titanium, silver, gold, platinum, any alloys of the materials above or any combination of the materials above.
 13. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 11, wherein the single piece of material comprises an extruded material, such as metal, plastic or PVC, or a molded material, such as plastic.
 14. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 12, wherein the planar surface comprises a rigid strip positioned such that its main axis is parallel to the wall, and wherein a width of the strip is less than a length of the strip along its main axis.
 15. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 14, wherein the first planar strip comprises a rigid strip positioned such that its main axis is parallel to the wall, wherein a width of the first planar strip is less than a length of the first planar strip along its main axis.
 16. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 15, wherein the second planar strip comprises a rigid strip positioned such that its main axis is parallel to the wall, wherein a width of the second planar strip is less than a length of the second planar strip along its main axis, and wherein the second planar strip is located below the first planar strip.
 17. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 16, wherein the wall bracket further comprises a rigid flat strip that connects the second elongated strip with the first elongated strip of the wall bracket.
 18. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 17, wherein the second elongated strip has a width from about 0.25 inch to about 1.5 inches.
 19. The wall-mounted shelf system of claim 12, further comprising at least one sidewall located on one end of the shelf, wherein the sidewall is positioned perpendicularly to the shelf so as to abut the shelf, and wherein the sidewall is coupled to the wall.
 20. A wall-mounted shelf system, comprising: a wall bracket comprising a first substantially rectangular strip for placement coplanar with a wall and a second substantially rectangular strip connected to the first rectangular strip, wherein the second rectangular strip is parallel to the wall; a plurality of orifices in the wall bracket, each orifice for accepting a fastener for fastening the wall bracket to the wall; and a shelf removably coupled to the wall bracket, wherein the shelf comprises: a) a substantially rectangular planar surface having a proximal end adjacent to the wall and a distal end, wherein the rectangular planar surface is sloped downwards towards the distal end, and wherein the rectangular planar surface accepts placement of items on its top surface for storage; b) a first substantially rectangular band located proximally to the rectangular planar surface, wherein the first rectangular band extends downwards for placement behind the second rectangular strip of the wall bracket; c) a protruding portion of the rectangular planar surface that protrudes upwards, wherein the protruding portion is located distally to, and co-extensive with, the rectangular planar surface, so as to provide a barrier to items placed on the top surface of the rectangular planar surface; d) a second substantially rectangular band located below, proximally to the rectangular planar surface, wherein the second rectangular band is oriented vertically for placement coplanar with the wall, so as to provide support for the shelf; and e) wherein the rectangular planar surface, the first and second rectangular bands and the protruding portion are integrally formed from a single substantially rectangular piece of a material. 